Pink ball clearsTest,awaitsBoardresult
FEEDBACK Indian ball manufacturer says players of both teams found pink ball meeting all the yardsticks
MUMBAI: After a fairly long build-up, the first pink-ball Test lasted just over two days. That’s not enough time for a thorough post-mortem but some questions have been answered. This was the first time SG (Sanspareils Greenlands) pink balls were to be used. Without testing the ball even in a local game (the Duleep Trophy was played with Kookaburra pink balls), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the manufacturer basically took a huge gamble in using it directly in a Test match.
But the manufacturers are relieved. “All the hard work has paid off, pretty much in line with what was asked of us by the BCCI,” said Paras Anand, director of SG.
“Among the important things asked were: visibility of the ball, a pronounced seam and that the ball shouldn’t get soft after it gets wet when dew sets in. All three were addressed. Visibility was good as the ball retained colour for a longer duration; the hardness (which was good even in the 60th over) and a pronounced seam (only one ball was changed during the match) too,” said Anand. Efforts to host a day-night Test was towards creating a buzz around Test cricket and get big crowds. Known to be among the most creative of state units, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) managed to turn it into a carnival with massive crowds buying into the idea out of curiosity as well as the pull of watching a No 1 ranked India thrash Bangladesh. Experts were certain that the pink ball would offer more movement than the red one but it began pretty sedately on the first morning with Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav being flat in the opening few overs. By the time the Bangladesh top-order gifted their wickets playing a few poor shots, the pace attack had altered their length and started to pitch the ball further up. After that, there was no respite for the Bangladesh batsmen.
There was extra zip on offer and the ball came quicker off the wicket. Overall, it turned out to be harrowing experience for the visitors’ line-up. It made for a scary sight with four of their batsmen being hit on the head. “There was a little bit of discussion with the experts (on batsmen being hit). This was a different Indian pitch; there is more grass kept on the wicket for a pink ball match (so that the ball doesn’t get scuffed),” said Anand.
“A couple of Bangladesh players said visibility was not a problem and that their technique was also not an issue. It was all about playing against the pink ball for the first time. We saw the difference in their first innings (106 all out) and second innings (195 all out). They almost got 50 percent more runs. Once they get used to it, they will also be in a better position (to compete).”
“Also, it was the pace of the Indian bowlers. Our bowlers were much quicker. (England fast bowler) Jofra Archer too hit Steve Smith (during the Ashes series). It was not because of the ball but his pace,” he said.
It’s not just about the bouncers, the challenges in pink ball cricket vary in different phases. More than the opening spell, the rough period is the second session when the twilight sets in.
“One feedback we got (from BCCI officials and cricketers) was that there is a little bit of extra movement in the twilight period. It was not because of the ball but because of the external factors like it got cooler or it may have been a little bit damp. Under lights one has to concentrate harder, the batsmen said. That is something the players have to adapt. It has nothing to do with the ball.”
Asked if they are looking to come up with any modifications based on the their observations from the Eden Test, Anand said,
“We will have to wait for instructions from the BCCI.”.
› Among the key things asked were: visibility of the ball, a pronounced
seam and that the ball shouldn’t get soft after it gets wet when dew sets in. All three were addressed. PARAS ANAND, SG director
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It’s actually easier (to see) than the red ball. Too early to talk of the future. Nothing is decided yet. We will all sit down and discuss the way ahead after this one.
SOURAV GANGULY, BCCI president